Weight Loss Myths Debunked

April 19, 2013
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By Betty Murray

There is no shortage of myths about weight loss and how to lose weight. If you are trying to lose weight, it’s important to know the myths and facts associated with weight loss. Falsely believing some of these common myths may actually hinder your weight loss progress.

Here are 4 common weight loss myths and the truth about weight loss:

Rapid weight loss doesn’t stick. Going on a restricted diet will likely result in weight loss. Depending on your level of activity and how restrictive you are in what you eat, you may lose large amounts of weight quickly. A common believe is that rapid weight loss won’t stick, but that’s not necessarily true. Studies have shown that over time, people who go on a highly restrictive diet aren’t more likely to gain that weight back than someone who goes on a less restrictive diet.

To lose weight, you must set realistic goals. Individuals who set high ambitions for weight loss aren’t more likely to fail than someone who sets a more reasonable weight-loss goal. In fact, some studies have shown that more ambitious goals may actually result in greater weight loss. Don’t be afraid to aim high with your goals, but do keep your weight loss goals within the realm of possibility. If you have a career and a family, setting a goal to work out three hours a day every day of the week, would not be a realistic goal. Set a goal for exercise that is greater than your current level of activity.

Kids can lose weight in P.E. class. If you’re a parent of children who are required to take physical education classes in school and rely on those classes to fulfill your child’s fitness needs, you are only deceiving yourself. The typical physical education class has not been shown to reduce or prevent childhood obesity. It is simply one component of a bigger picture.

Low metabolic rate results in weight gain. It is commonly believed that heavier people have a lower metabolism, meaning they burn calories at a lower rate. This is not the case. Metabolic rate is dependent on the amount of muscle in the body. As you gain fat, you also gain muscle. As your body’s muscle mass increases, so does its metabolic rate. To burn the most calories, you need to increase the muscle mass in your body through strength training exercises, not simply cardiovascular workouts.

Betty Murray, CN, HHC, RYT is a Certified Nutritionist & Holistic Health Counselor, founder of the Dallas-based integrative medical center, Wellness and founder of the Metabolic Blueprint wellness program. Betty’s nutrition counseling practice specializes in metabolic and digestive disorders and weight loss resistance. A master of the biochemistry of the body, Betty teaches her clients how to utilize nutritional interventions to improve their health. Betty is a member of the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National Association of Nutrition Professionals.